YC-NISDA

Happy to share that the 76th Constitution Day was celebrated jointly by the Department of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Studies (DBAS) and the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies (DDSS), Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on Wednesday, 26th November 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the YC-NISDA Library Hall, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Building, SPPU, Pune – 411007.

On this occasion, the Preamble of the Constitution of India was read collectively, reaffirming our commitment to constitutional values. Students also highlighted key Fundamental Duties, reflecting on their relevance in contemporary society.

The event was held in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Milind Nikalge, Head, DBAS; Prof. (Dr.) M. L. Sali; RSP Officers; and faculty members from both DDSS and DBAS, who contributed to the significance of the celebration.

You are cordially invited to the General BC Joshi Memorial Lecture 2025

Speaker: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy

Topic: Shaping India's Future through Sea Power and Self-Reliance – An Indian Naval Perspective

📅 Date: Monday, 1st December 2025
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM (Guests are requested to be seated by 2:30 PM for security reasons)

📍 Venue: Swarajyarakshak Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Sabhagruha, Iravati Karve Shaikshanik Sankul, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune – 411007

🎖️ Organized by: Department of Defence and Strategic Studies (DDSS), Savitribai Phule Pune University

This event commemorates and honors the remarkable legacy of General BC Joshi.

Unable to attend in person? Join us live via webcast: https://webcast.unipune.ac.in/DDSS/

The Department of Defence and Strategic Studies (DDSS), International Centre and the Department of Economics, Savitribai Phule Pune University, in collaboration with IDP International Education Specialists, cordially invite you to an International Guest Lecture on “Economic Development and the Role of Institutions”

Speaker:
Prof. (Dr.) Michael Stimmelmayr
Senior Professor, Department of Economics,
University in Bath, England

Discussants:
Prof. (Dr.) Surabhi Jain
Head, Department of Economics, SPPU and
Prof. (Dr.) Shilpa Bhide
BBA(IB) Course Coordinator, International Centre, SPPU

Date: Monday, 1st December 2025
Time: 9:30 AM
Venue: YC-NISDA Library Hall, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Building, SPPU, Pune – 411007

Join us for an insightful discourse on how institutions shape economic progress globally.

✨ Open for Faculty, Researchers, Scholars, and Students.
📨 All are cordially invited!

Dear All,

I am pleased to inform you that the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies is organizing a Lecture-cum-Discussion on the following topics:

1️⃣ “India's Diplomatic Renaissance: Progress and Potential”
to be delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Imankalyan Lahiri, Former Head, Department of International Relations, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal.

2️⃣ “The New Mobilities Paradigm: Critical Theoretical and Analytical Developments”to be delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Mayurakshi Chaudhuri, Professor, Sociology and Digital Humanities, FLAME University, Pune.

🗓 Date: Thursday, 20th November 2025
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM
📍 Venue: YC-NISDA Library Hall, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Building, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune – 411007.

All faculty members, researchers, and students are cordially invited to attend and participate.

Had an excellent lecture-cum-discussion on “Geopolitics of Succession: India, Tibet and China Relations” by Mr. Dorjee Tsetan, Member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile.

The lecture-cum-discussion was organised by the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Savitribai Phule Pune University, on Tuesday, 26th August 2025 at 1:00 PM at YC-NISDA Library Hall, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Building, SPPU, Pune.

Mr. Tsetan provided valuable insights into the sensitive dynamics of India-Tibet-China relations, highlighting the historical, political, and strategic dimensions of succession in the Tibetan context. He also underlined the importance of India’s role in shaping regional stability and the cultural-spiritual underpinnings of the Tibetan struggle.

The session was a thought-provoking engagement, blending realpolitik with cultural identity, and offered fresh perspectives to the academic audience.

RSP Officers, faculty members of the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, and students were present for this enriching interaction.

Had an excellent lecture-cum-discussion on “India's Strategic Culture and Leadership” by Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, PhD (Retd), Member, National Security Advisory Board.

Ahead of the lecture, Lt Gen Singh had a courtesy meeting with Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Gosavi, at the Vice Chancellor’s Office, Main Building, Savitribai Phule Pune University.

The lecture-cum-discussion was organised by the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Savitribai Phule Pune University, on Thursday, 7th August 2025 at 11:00 AM at YC-NISDA Library Hall, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Building, SPPU, Pune.

The session was a remarkable confluence of ancient Indian wisdom and contemporary strategic imperatives, leaving the audience deeply inspired, both intellectually and spiritually.

On this occasion, prizes were also distributed to new students of the Department who won the competition "Hunt Campus SPPU" by me on the day of the Deeksharambh Induction Program.

RSP Officers, SPPU authorities, faculty members of the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, and students were present for this enriching interaction.

Deeksharambh Induction Program 2025-26

A great beginning for a new academic journey!

The Department of Defence and Strategic Studies (DDSS) and the Department of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Studies (DBAS), Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), jointly organized the Deeksharambh Induction Program on Tuesday, 5th August 2025 at the YC-NISDA Library Hall.

The program was graced by the presence of distinguished defence leaders including: Lt. Gen. R.R. Nimbhorkar, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM**, VSM, Chair Professor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chair in Policy Studies, DDSS, SPPU; Air Marshal S.S. Soman (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM, VM; Lt. Gen. A.L. Chavan (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM; Air Marshal P.N. Pradhan, PVSM, AVSM, Chair Professor, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Chair, DDSS, SPPU and Maj. Gen. Abhijit Bapat, SM.

Also present were Prof. Milind Nikalge (Head, DBAS), Prof. (Dr.) M. L. Sali, Prof. (Dr.) Chittaranjan Das, RSP Officers, and faculty members from DDSS and DBAS.

This induction program welcomed newly admitted students for the academic year 2025–26, familiarizing them with the academic culture, support systems, and vibrant student life at SPPU. It served as a meaningful platform to guide students through their transition and reinforce the university’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence.

We wish all our new students a successful and enriching journey ahead at SPPU!

The Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Savitribai Phule Pune University is organising a lecture-cum-discussion by Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, PhD (Retd), Member of the National Security Advisory Board, on the topic “India's Strategic Culture and Leadership.” This session will offer valuable insights into India’s evolving strategic thought and the role of leadership in shaping national security.

The event will take place on Thursday, 7th August 2025 at 11:00 AM at YC-NISDA Library Hall, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Building, SPPU, Pune – 411007. All are cordially invited to join this enriching academic interaction.

Special Lecture on “Future Wars and Warfare” – A Powerful Glimpse into Tomorrow's Battlefields!

The Department of Defence and Strategic Studies (DDSS) at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) successfully organized a Special Lecture on “Future Wars and Warfare”, delivered by none other than General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) of India.

General Chauhan captivated the audience with his deep strategic insights into the shifting paradigms of warfare, technological disruptions, and the evolving global security landscape. His address provided invaluable foresight into future national and global defence challenges.

The programme commenced with the Maharashtra Song and University Song, in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Gosavi, Hon’ble, Vice Chancellor, SPPU; Prof. (Dr.) Parag Kalkar, Hon’ble, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, SPPU; Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Khare; Head, Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, SPPU; CMA (Dr.) Charusheela R. Gayake; Officiating Registrar, SPPU; Management Council Members and Senate Members of SPPU; SPPU Authorities, Faculty and students.

A vibrant Q&A session followed the lecture, giving students and faculty a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of the nation’s top military minds.

Heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the success of this landmark event. It was truly a memorable day of learning, leadership, and strategic inspiration.

The wide coverage given by leading print media is attached

You can watch full program: https://webcast.unipune.ac.in/DDSS/

I am very happy to inform you that the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, SPPU is organising a special lecture to be delivered by General Anil Chauhan, PVSM UYSM AVSM SM VSM, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), on the topic, “Future Wars and Warfare".

The lecture will be held on Tuesday, 3rd June, 2025, at 1.30 pm, at Irawati Karve Social Science Complex, Savitribai Phule Pune University.

You are requested to be present 15 minutes before the start of the lecture.

You can also watch live program: https://webcast.unipune.ac.in/

The Valedictory Session of the Two-Day National Seminar on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Contributions to National Security and Nationalism will be graced by distinguished guests and dignitaries on 23rd April 2025 at 4:00 pm at Sant Dnyaneshwar Hall, Main Building, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune

Guests of Honour:

* Dr. Parag Kalkar, Hon’ble Pro-Vice Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU)

* Shri. Ravindra Shingnapurkar, Management Council Member, SPPU

The session will bring the seminar to a close, with reflections on the insights shared, and the continued relevance of Patel’s contributions in shaping modern India.

Session IV: Reflecting on Patel’s Legacy and Future Implications on 23rd April 2025 at 2:00 pm

The concluding academic session of the National Seminar focused on “Reflecting on Patel’s Legacy and Future Implications”, where the speakers explored how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's vision continues to shape India's strategic and national identity in the present and future.

The session was chaired by Prof. M. L. Sali, Former Principal, MVP’s Arts and Commerce College, Vani (Nashik), and Former Head and Professor, Defence and Strategic Studies, Bhonsala Military College, Nashik.

Distinguished Speakers:

* Col. Rajkumar Chachra, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

* Col. Abhishek Mishra, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

The discussion explored how Patel’s principles of unity, strength, and security remain foundational to India’s development and security policies